The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Justin Litwin of Oregon State's Woodhall III Vineyard. In this interview, Justin speaks about how he found his way to being the vineyard manager for Oregon State University's vineyard. He talks about joining the Navy after high school and some of his experiences working on a submarine, then coming to Oregon State and learning more about wine and vineyards.

Later, he speaks about the challenges of managing a research vineyard, and the excitement of helping the state advance its viticulture practices. He talks about what comes next for the vineyard, and for his little winemaking projects as a "farmer with a pension."

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Woodhall III Vineyard. in Monroe on January 24, 2024.

This interview is with David Hunter of Cru and Domaine. In this interview, David speaks about discovering a passion for wine, service, and wine education while working in the Bay Area. He talks about starting to learn about wine and feeling the need to pursue his education by studying in the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Later, he talks about coming to Oregon and finding his people here, and how that led him to Cru and Domaine. As he is preparing for the final level of the CMS exams, he also speaks about the preparation and study for the intensity of the exams, as well as what else he hopes to accomplish.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cru and Domaine in Portland on January 23, 2024.

This interview is with Tom Danowski of the Oregon Wine Board. In this interview, Tom speaks about his work before wine with brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Kraft Foods, and his introduction to wine when he took a position with Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington. He discusses his excitement at returning to the Northwest after growing up in Oregon, and his growing enthusiasm for learning about wine.

From there, Tom talks about his role as president of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. He discusses the state of the OWB when he arrived and some of the projects/accomplishments he's proudest of. He also takes a look at the future for the Oregon wine industry and how the work of the OWB might support that and evolve as he prepares to step down from his position, as well as what the future holds for himself.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate in Dayton on December 13, 2023.

This interview is with James Osborne of Oregon State University (OSU). In this interview, James speaks about his time studying wine in his native New Zealand and his path to becoming a professor of Wine Microbiology at OSU and director of the Oregon Wine Research Institute (OWRI). 

With his interest in wine stemming from his passion for microbiology James discusses his experience in the industry from an academic and research perspective. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Oregon State University in Corvallis on December 12, 2023.

This interview is with Rob Clarke of Terrapin Cellars. In this interview, Rob speaks about finding wine as a career change, and the many opportunities afforded to him by pursuing wine education through Chemeketa Community College.

Rob then talks about starting and growing a vineyard management company, and the circumstances that led to him beginning to make his own wine as well. He speaks of the growth of both businesses and where they stand today, as well as what he expects to happen next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on December 4, 2023.

This interview is with Tom Mortimer of Le Cadeau Wines. In this interview, Tom speaks about learning about wine as a consumer and collector before being taken in by the Willamette Valley and deciding to purchase property here. Once the property spoke to him, he knew he had to plant grapes and, later, produce wine.

Tom talks about all the learning moments along the way, including the process of clearing land, choosing clones, finding winemakers and remaining patient and optimistic over a long growth process. 

Tom also speaks about how Le Cadeau has evolved and what comes next for his brand and for the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Le Cadeau's tasting room in Dundee on November 29, 2023.

This interview is with Katy Armes of Scissortail Wine Tours. In this interview, Katy speaks about growing up in Oklahoma and attending Oklahoma State University, where a couple of life-changing conversations led her into wine and hospitality.

From there, she talks about her impulsive move to the Willamette Valley and the number of roles she's had in the industry since arriving. She also talks about the ways the industry has grown and changed, and how that has affected her career. Finally, she talks about her new venture, Scissortail Wine Tours - how it came about, how it's gone so far and where it's headed.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Patton Valley Wines' tasting room in McMinnville on November 28, 2023.

This interview is with Joe Chepolis & Carmen Nydegger of Sound and Vision Wines. In this interview, Joe and Carmen speak about their lives before wine, meeting each other, and starting down the path of creating their own wine brand.

They discuss how they found themselves in the Rogue Valley and how they got their first grapes to work with, as well as their role in creating the collaborative Catalyst Wine tasting room in Talent. Later in the interview, they share their big news that they'll be moving into their own winery and tasting room in 2024, and look ahead to the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on November 17, 2023.

This interview is with Alex Fortson of Twill Cellars. In this interview, Alex speaks about his early work in photojournalism and his growing interest in wine. A chance meeting with Chris Dickson of Twill Cellars led him down the path toward working in wine production, and he dove deeper into wine from there.

Alex talks about working in wine retail, photography and web design, and about finding the inspiration to start his own wine label. He also talks about the changes he's seen in the industry, and about the transparency he hopes to showcase in his work.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at August Cellars in Newberg on November 14, 2023.

This interview is with John Wrigley of J. Wrigley Vineyards. In this interview, John speaks about finding wine and his path in creating J. Wrigley Vineyards. 

John shares how he got into wine through beer, even buying a winemaking book from a beer shop. He then dives into how the mysteries and challenges of wine hooked him. John talks about his time spent selling insurance during the day and teaching himself winemaking at night. 

Later in the interview, John talks about coming to Oregon and falling in love with his now wife and vineyard. He shares his journey in creating J. Wrigley Vineyards and what he hopes for the future. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at J. Wrigley Vineyards in Sheridan on September 29, 2022.